Need new hot water heater - suggestions?

Hi,

I need to have our current h/w heater replaced. It is a 40 gallon AO Smith gas heater. A plumber suggested a 50 gallon high recovery h/w heater, but didn't suggest a brand. Any suggestions?

He also quoted $2,000 (incl. tax) for the installation (incl. his purchase of a h/w heater). I am in NYC so I know prices are typically higher. Is it considered OK to ask what brand and model he intends to purchase?

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I need to have our current h/w heater replaced. It is a 40 gallon AO Smith gas heater. A plumber suggested a 50 gallon high recovery h/w heater, but didn't suggest a brand. Any suggestions?

He also quoted $2,000 (incl. tax) for the installation (incl. his purchase of a h/w heater). I am in NYC so I know prices are typically higher. Is it considered OK to ask what brand and model he intends to purchase?

Thanks all.

It's ok to ask brand.Find out how many BTU'S your old wh has/had. If you had plenty of hot water I see no need to go with a 50 gallon. High recovery only means it burns more BTU'S. Example : A 50 gallon 60 k BTU would be considered high recovery. Most standerd water heaters are 40 gallon & around 32- 40 k BTU. 2k for installation would be high for my area if I didn't have to bring venting, etc, to code